Podcasts about Metro Council

This week on Sustainability Now!, your host, Justin Mog, catches up with the evolving story about the future of the Nia Center at 2900 W. Broadway with Shaun Spencer, Nia Center tenant (owner of My Hub Print Center) and co-founder of the West Louisville Dream Team, and Timothy Cox, current president of the West Louisville Dream Team (https://www.facebook.com/share/15QUpdZjic/). On August 26, 2025, Louisville's Transit Authority of River City (TARC) voted unanimously to enter a 14-day exclusive negotiation period with the West Louisville Dream Team (WLDT) on the potential sale of the Nia Center for $2.1 million—an important step toward keeping this West Broadway landmark in community hands. The Nia Center has long been a small-business hub and gathering place for West Louisville. After earlier redevelopment ideas fell through this summer, TARC is now negotiating directly with WLDT, which plans to preserve the building, restore its community space, and raise the capital needed to complete the purchase. WLDT's plan targets a healthy, 90% occupancy within three years and seeks partnership with Metro Council for community-space support—aligning economic activity with civic life in the neighborhood. The West Louisville Dream team is made up of residents, business owners, and those that are concerned about the positive image of west Louisville. It was started in 2012 with four members to attract more businesses and promote the image of west Louisville. Their mission is to work in collaboration with neighborhood associations to positively affect west Louisville. WLDT is a non-for-profit community organization with about 90 residents, non-profit, and businesses on its mailing list. In 1998 date, the Nia Center was opened as a promise by the city to west Louisville. In the 2000s, the Nia Center served as a hub of resources for entrepreneurs and job seekers; however, around 2016-17 after Metro Louisville took over its management, gradually, as tents moved out, they weren't replaced and its role as an economic resource hub diminished. The Nia Center also served as a gathering space for the community and an internet hub for west Louisville residents without internet access. The building was open seven days a week, with non-traditional evening hours during the week and on weekends. Eventually, the building's operating hours were reduced, and the community room was removed from public access. Likewise, the internet connection was not as fast as promised, and it couldn't be accessed outside of the building's hours. How can the community support West Louisville Dream Team's effort to acquire the Nia Center? Donate. Invest. Sign the petition. Help us raise: $50,000 by October 12th! $1 million by December 31st to buy the Nia Center! Get in touch with them at saveniacenter@gmail.com and find the petition to Save Nia Center at https://www.change.org/p/save-the-nia-center Contact Carla Dearing, Head of Community Investment, at carlad@centerforneighborhoods.org to be connected with ways you can help. SEE: https://centerforneighborhoods.org/neighbors-at-the-helm-cfns-role-in-the-nia-center-path-to-community-ownership/ https://www.lpm.org/news/2025-08-27/tarc-west-louisville-dream-team-to-negotiate-on-sale-of-nia-center As always, our feature is followed by your community action calendar for the week, so get your calendars out and get ready to take action for sustainability NOW! Sustainability Now! is hosted by Dr. Justin Mog and airs on Forward Radio, 106.5fm, WFMP-LP Louisville, every Monday at 6pm and repeats Tuesdays at 12am and 10am. Find us at https://forwardradio.org The music in this podcast is courtesy of the local band Appalatin and is used by permission. Explore their delightful music at https://appalatin.com

This program features Andrew Owen, Louisville's 9th District Councilman, tackling two topics: (1) Changes to Louisville's elections as a result of passage of HB 388 in the Kentucky General Assembly. Starting in 2026, Mayoral and Metro Council elections will be non-partisan; and (2) How Councilman Owen envisions making housing affordable and plentiful, especially in the city center, so that less people will end up homeless.

The return of NASCAR to the Fairgrounds may be on the horizon, and benches are disappearing downtown — with critics accusing the city of creating hostile architecture instead. Host Marie Cecile Anderson, producer Daniel Sumstine, and executive producer Whitney Pastorek are once again wondering who Nashville is actually for. Plus: Metro Council turns nasty, who got paid half a million taxpayer dollars without a contract, and has Cracker Barrel gone woke? Vote for City Cast Nashville as Best Podcast in the Nashville Scene's 2025 Best of Nashville awards! You must vote in 20 categories for your vote to count. We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey — it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card, and City Cast City swag. Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 22nd episode: Musicians Corner Overlook Maps Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville   Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

After a repeat felon took a mother and her children hostage, stabbed her, threatened to kill her unless the bank gave him money, then was arrested, the Louisville community asked how he was allowed to be roaming the streets at all.Metro Council's (19 district) Anthony Piagentini discusses how he and Louisville Metro government have been asking for clarity on shock probations, funding for the juvenile detention center, Governor Beshear's silence, and how the public can be better informed about sociopaths living among us.

Two rezonings dominated Tuesday's Metro Council meeting: An Urban Design Overlay in The Nations, and a logistics warehouse on Franklin Limestone Road. What did public comment teach us about neighborhood outreach in Nashville? District 29 Councilmember Tasha Ellis joins host Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek to explain why she voted no on the UDO, and how she's hoping to kill the noise from loud cars on our streets. Plus, breaking news about the Tesla Tunnels potentially going under the Music City Center, and why Hayley Williams' new video for “Ego Death At a Bachelorette Party” is giving us hope. Vote for City Cast Nashville as Best Podcast in the Nashville Scene's 2025 Best of Nashville awards! You must vote in 20 categories for your vote to count. Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 8th episode: Overlook Maps Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville   Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

The new “Earthquake Ready Burnside Bridge” lane designs, backed with funding by the Metro Council, are intended to force Portlanders out of their cars. Metro will be meeting on July 31st to vote on and pass the Step 1A.1 Regional Flexible Funds Allocation bond, which includes the Burnside Bridge among other “road diet” projects.The current Burnside Bridge serves approximately 58,000 people daily and features five lanes of travel, comprising two westbound lanes, two eastbound lanes, and an eastbound bus-only lane. In the design for the new bridge, they plan to remove an eastbound car lane. This reduces a five-lane bridge with four lanes for cars, with a four-lane bridge with three lanes for cars.While Metro's stated goal is to promote “multimodal transportation,” they plan to achieve it at the expense of nearly four out of every five people using the bridge. If 100 people were crossing the bridge, 78 would be stuck in a bottleneck after a long day of work. Another 12 people would ride the bus, 7 would bike, and 3 would walk. Why should 78 people have to sit in traffic so that 12 people can get ahead on a bus?Metro should reject funding for the Earthquake Ready Burnside Bridge until the lanes have been redrawn, and designs changed to make room for four out of every five bridge users.

Metro Council voted on Tuesday to expand the Downtown Central Business Improvement District to include the Gulch. Why are opponents concerned? Councilmember At-Large Quin Evans Segall joins host Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek to explain how that whole thing works. Plus, U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles is going after Belmont now, Metropolis parking is not beloved, and the Nashville Scene's annual “You Are So Nashville If …” winners are out. Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville   Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

It's that time again! Time for you to talk with Mayor Freddie O'Connell.Do you have a concern you would like him to address? Do you have a question about the direction of the city? Every month, Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell joins us to discuss the latest happenings in and around the city — and take your calls! Plus, Last month, an appeals court upheld a state law reducing the Nashville Metro Council from forty members to twenty. Attorney Ben Gastel joins us to discuss the impact of reduced council, the potential Supreme Court case and other lingering questions. Give us a call at 615-760-2000 to join the conversation.This episode was produced by Cynthia Abrams and Mary ManciniGuests Freddie O'Connell, Mayor, Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County Ben Gastel, attorney, Herzfeld, Suetholz, Gastel, Leniski and Wall  

TriMet has a new “road diet” planned for Portland, this time on 82nd Avenue. Working with Metro, TriMet is proposing a transit corridor entirely dedicated to buses. They plan to dedicate bus-only lanes, up and down both sides of the street, shrinking 82nd from a four-lane avenue down to a two-lane road for up to seven miles—from Clackamas Town Center to Portland's Cully neighborhood.The project claims that bus-only lanes are only one of the options as part of ongoing conversations, but the most recent Metro mockup on the future of 82nd Avenue prominently prioritizes “BAT lanes” (Business Access and Transit lanes) as the locally preferred alternative (LPA).By cutting car lanes in half, the bus-only lanes will increase congestion substantially. According to TriMet's own estimates, adding these lanes would cause up to 25 percent of drivers to divert from their routes to avoid traffic. Those diversions will put more stress on residential streets and neighborhoods, requiring additional safety features and maintenance. In the same document, TriMet states these new bus-only lanes will save transit riders three or four minutes at most. That's with seven straight miles of bus lanes.The purpose of 82nd Avenue—also known as Highway 213—is to move as many people and vehicles as possible from point A to point B. What moves more people: a lane that allows both cars and buses, or a lane that only allows buses?Metro Council is scheduled to consider bond funding for 82nd avenue and four other projects on July 31. Metro should eliminate bus-only “BAT lanes” from any further consideration as part of the 82nd Avenue Transit Project.

This month, Bridgestone shut down a tire plant that was once a major part of LaVergne's local economy, and a big influence on labor relations. Plus, the local news for July 15, 2025, and what the size of Metro Council means. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: Miriam KramerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

This episode was created by students from the University of Oregon's Graduate School of Journalism and Communication. Producer Kaiya Laguardia-Yonamine speaks with Duncan Hwang about the importance of local organizing and turning inward to sustain our communities. Duncan reflects on his experience as the Community Development Director at APANO, as well as his role as an elected official for the Metro Council. Show notes & links: APANO – one of the largest nonprofit organizations serving Asian and Asian American communities in Oregon today. Duncan has worked at APANO since the organization's origin in 2013. APANO Action Fund - a sister organization to APANO that focuses on political advocacy, legislative action, and electing BIPOC and progressive leaders into local office. Metro Council – the regional government collaborating between Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington counties. Metro supervises the waste management systems, some housing developments, and major tourist attractions in the Portland Metro area. ⁠Community Podcasting Microcredential ⁠- This 12-credit, graduate-level certification helps you build professional skills in podcasting, interviewing, and audio production to tell meaningful community stories. Thanks to Leif Olsen for composing the music for the series of Oregon Speaks: Voices from this moment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 Last week, the Metro Council decided it would not ask voters to extend a regional homeless services tax on the November ballot. The Supportive Housing Services tax, which is set to expire in 2030, applies to residents in Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington counties making more than $125,000 a year (or more than $200,000 for couples filing jointly). Businesses making more than $5 million annually are also subject to the tax which helps fund programs in the tri-county area to help people experiencing homelessness move into housing.     But a poll the Metro Council recently commissioned suggests that voters in the region appear to be questioning its effectiveness to help combat a crisis that has only gotten worse since the tax went into effect four years ago. The poll found that 53% of respondents said they would vote “yes” to reauthorize the tax, while 43% said they would oppose it.   The Metro Council is now exploring how to reform the tax, starting with a recent vote to index income thresholds to inflation and remove quarterly payment requirements for most high earners. Joining us to discuss the future of the Supportive Housing Services tax is Metro Councilor Christine Lewis.   

One thing is true. What goes up must go down. That goes for relationships, that basketball you like to play with and even the city of Nashville.Recently, a study indicated Nashville is experiencing subsidence — or in simpler terms, the surface level is sinking. Experts continue to debate whether this phenomenon has any urgency. To shed light, we have geologists joining us to talk about what risks subsidence may pose, what causes it and how much human interaction comes into play. We're also talking about what else is going on underneath our cowboy boots so Olivia Hill with Metro Council and Lipscomb Professor Monica Sartain join our panel to share how energy is transferred through tunnels and pipes and how infrastructure gets us to where we need to go.This episode was produced by Josh Deepan. Special thanks to Caroline Eggers and Tony Gonzalez. GUESTS: Manoochehr Shirzaei — Professor of Geophysics, Virginia Tech Olivia Hill — Nashville Metro Council at-large Monica Sartain — Associate Professor of Civil Engineering, Lipscomb University Michael Zoccola — retired Geotechnical Engineer, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Nashville District)

Metro Council will consider and vote on the Substitute Budget Ordinance tomorrow night, which could replace the mayor's proposed budget for fiscal year 2026. What's in it, and how does this whole thing work? Councilmember Delishia Porterfield — who filed this year's substitute as chair of the Budget and Finance Committee — joins host Marie Cecile Anderson to tell us everything we need to know. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 16th episode: Nashville Zoo - The first 2,000 guests to visit the Zoo on June 20th for the ribbon cutting at 9:30 a.m get a free Leopard Forest bandana. Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Louisville's proposed $1.2 billion city budget is now in the hands of the Metro Council, and it could shape everything from public safety to housing to city services. On this episode, we check in with LPM's city government reporter Roberto Roldan to understand how the city's priorities are showing up in the proposal, and where the money might be headed.

The runaway zebra remains at large as CMA Fest descends upon our town, and Nashville Scene columnist Nicole Williams joins host Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek for today's Friday News Roundup. Tuesday's marathon Metro Council meeting featured over a hundred residents asking for a fair shake in the city's budget, as well as some pointed comments about a council member who's under fire; Sen. Marsha Blackburn is the latest to join the pile-on of Mayor O'Connell; and Old Tent City was officially closed earlier this week. But wait — are we “fake news”?   Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

We're getting you ready for tonight's public budget hearing with tips on speaking at Metro Council, plus contacting your representatives at the local, state, and federal levels … and staying sane in the process. Dr. Katrina Green and East Nashtivists founder Melissa Sautter join host Marie Cecile Anderson to explain how to use your voice.  Learn more about the sponsors of this June 3rd episode: ⁠Musicians Corner⁠ Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

It's been a tense week filled with ICE operations in South Nashville, including Sunday's enforcement action that detained a reported 94 people. Host Marie Cecile Anderson, executive producer Whitney Pastorek, and Nashville Scene columnist Nicole Williams break down Wednesday night's specially-called Public Health and Safety Committee meeting, where outraged residents and Metro Council members grilled city leadership about the events leading up to Sunday and how they plan to protect Nashville residents in the future. Plus, good news! Learn more about the sponsors of this May 9th episode: Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Cheekwood Estate & Gardens Music City Rodeo Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

The Louisville Democrat Party chairman is Logan Gatti, an energetic young voice trying to bolser the number of Democrats in local offices.We discussed issues with party collegiality, trusting poll data, the value of mailers, and the burgeoning Republican strength in Louisville Metro Council.

JP Lyninger is a proud JCPS graduate of Dupont Manual High School, as well as the University of Louisville. J.P. Lyninger has spent much of his time Fighting for a better Louisville at protests against police violence, anti-war rallies, direct actions, and standing in solidarity with workers on picket lines. JP is a long-time activist and organizer. In 2022, he served as campaign manager for Shelby Park resident Robert LeVertis Bell's campaign for State Representative. Later that year, JP managed Access For All KY's “No On 2” campaign, working in coalition with other campaigns to successfully defeat Amendment 2's permanent ban on abortion access in Kentucky. JP Lyninger is an active and engaged member of the local chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America. While currently a rank-and-file member of the chapter, he has previously held various leadership offices, including three terms as chapter Co-Chair. JP Lyninger is currently a member of the Louisville Metro Council representing District 6. JP ran for Metro Council because he knows a better world is possible. Louisville needs big changes to reverse economic and racial inequality. Louisville needs leaders ready to fight for the working class against budgets that prioritize tax deals for wealthy real estate developers over public transportation and basic infrastructure. JP is ready to fight with you for District 6, and for the needs of the working class across our city. In 2025, he serves as a member of the Ad Hoc Committee on Efficiencies of Boards & Commissions, Budget, Government Oversight/Audit & Appointments, and Parks & Sustainability Committees.

Olivia Hill made history in Tennessee as the first transgender person elected in the state when she won a widely contested Metro Council position in Nashville. From her unlikely path into politics, losing her white male privilege after transitioning to being a woman, to being an outspoken representative of trans people in the South, you're going to love this interview. Not only will you learn a lot, you'll walk away feeling hopeful and inspired! Olivia has that effect on people.     Chapters 00:29 - Meet Olivia Hill  01:37 - How she ended up in politics 04:08 - Local and state elections  12:50 - Responding to bullies 15:26 - Lived experiences as both a man and woman 22:04 - Education, representation, and progress 28:48 - Connect with Olivia   Follow Olivia on all social media platforms at oliviahill247 including Instagram https://instagram.com/oliviahill247, Facebook https://facebook.com/oliviahill247 and LinkedIn https:/linkedin.com/in/oliviahill247    For even more content and a daily dose of inspiration, follow me on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/HeatherJoyHubbard  

The Republicans are banning legal hemp products, the state budget passed with a curious exception, and what are the 48 most classic Nashville dishes of all time? Host Marie Cecile Anderson, executive producer Whitney Pastorek, and Metro Council contributor Nicole Williams are talking about all that and more on today's Friday News Roundup. Don't forget to come see us at Fridays by the River tonight! Learn more about the sponsors of this April 18th episode: Prolonlife.com/city - Use this link for 15% off Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

On April 7, 2025, CLOUT (Citizens of Louisville Organized and United Together) held its annual Nehemiah Action Assembly to offer solutions to community problems researched, discussed and agreed upon within their 12,000 + membership (over a year or more of committee work and consensus building), who represent 24 CLOUT member congregations in Louisville. These proposed solutions were then presented on stage to city officials, including Louisville Mayor Greenberg, JCPS Superintendent Dr. Polio, JCPS School Board member Logan Strange, former Deputy Mayor Barbara Sexton Smith, and Metro Council member Shameka Parrish Wright who were all individually asked whether they would follow through on these proposed solutions, to which they all answered YES. This provides a lesson in how organizations (in this case, churches) can collaborate together on local issues and band together into a 1000-strong assembly of members who all came together on April 7, 2025 to advocate for causes they supported and hold folks in positions of power accountable.

It's been a crazy weather week that's still not over. On today's Friday News Roundup, host Marie Cecile Anderson, executive producer Whitney Pastorek, and Metro Council contributor Nicole Williams catch you up on our storms and flooding, discuss the financial settlements reached at Tuesday's Metro Council meeting, and with the State of the City address on the horizon, we discuss what we'd like to hear from our mayor. And hey! Weather permitting, today is the first night of Fridays By the River, presented by City Cast Nashville! Come say hi! Learn more about the controversy at Nashville General Hospital here. Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

We're back! Eva Frazier and I (Jonathan Maus) talked about all sorts of good stuff in this episode... from politics around I-5 Rose Quarter project to why the state's bike tax is so annoying. Here's a handy outline and links to stuff we talked about:Bike shop banter: My new Metropolis Cycle tie-dye t-shirt, latest shop closures.Thoughts on the I-5 Rose Quarter vote at Metro Council and why I'm disappointed in Lynn Peterson and Duncan Hwang. And the bad optics of white urbanists opposing the project while Black Portlanders support it. Ladds 500 is next weekend! (4/12)Protest season is here. Hands Off Rally is Saturday, 4/5Eva shares here Saturdays in May ride series.Why hasn't PBOT revealed downtown Sunday Parkways route?How you can eat and drink your way through the week with Portland bike events.New segment of the Green Loop through North Park BlocksNew bike lane coming to NE PrescottConvo with Candace Avalos and policingHow'd he get there? I share my route from North Portland (Peninsula Park) to SE 122nd and Stark (Midland Library).Legislative transportation package draft is out. Why the bike tax is so annoying.April 26th is carfree 82nd Ave Parade and a Cycle Oregon Block Party at Baerlic Brewing in Southeast Thanks for listening! Please become a paid BikePortland subscriber today!

In a city where neighborhoods are begging for sidewalks, the residents of Belle Meade Boulevard are suing to stop one. Plus, the state is still trying to cut our Metro Council in half, Ag Day on the Hill was once again a classic photo opportunity (click here to see the photo of Gov. Bill Lee referenced in the episode), and we're updating you on the bills that caught our eye in the TNLeg this week. Nashville Scene columnist and City Cast Nashville contributor Nicole Williams joins host Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek to help make sense of it all.  Learn more about the sponsors of this March 21st episode: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392⁩ Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Given the massive success of the Athletes Unlimited pro women's basketball tourney, the Vanderbilt University women's team lighting up the court, and a Pat Summitt-inspired proposal for a WNBA expansion team making headlines, producer Daniel Sumstine sits down with former Metro Council member and lady hoops superfan Nancy VanReece to find out why women's basketball is having a moment. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 11th episode: Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392⁩ Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

We decided to try it again: We asked six people from different parts of the region to share with us, and we were not disappointed.  You'll hear from folks of all ages and backgrounds. Sit back and open up your ears as we hear from a middle schooler, college junior, entrepreneur, a retired community member, a long time Nashville resident, and a sitting Metro Council member. They all provide us with a lot of food for thought.We present… This Is Nashvillians: Part 2.This episode was produced by Khalil Ekulona.Guests: Kevin Warner Mariana Cokely Carlos Partee Sandra Sepulveda Lauren Hayney Stephen Doster Music playlist: “Spring Again” – Lou Rawls “It Ain't Necessarily Bird Avenue” – Spanky & Our Gang “One More Dance” – D4vd “Say It Isn't So” – Hall & Oates “Cashville Stomp” – Upchurch (feat Young Buck) “Sunday” – HNNY “Dés Memain” – Holden “Clay Pigeons” – John Prine “In My Dreams” – Emmy Lou Harris “Get Dis Money” – Slum Village

And now, the exciting conclusion of Metro Council's two-part Fusus cliffhanger! Nashville Scene columnist Nicole Williams joins us to talk through the latest local news, including poorly-timed cuts to the National Weather Service, the threatened closure of a local Social Security office, and a weird group home in DC being run by local car dealer Lee Beaman. Finally, we're celebrating being named the 6th most sinful state in the nation by discussing where in Nashville we'd like to indulge in the 7 deadly ones. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 7th episode: Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392⁩ Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

A thrilling Metro Council meeting this week ended in a cliffhanger, as CMs voted to adjourn due to snow in the middle of the Fusus guardrails debate. Contributor and Nashville Scene columnist Nicole Williams joins host Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek for more on that, and a Historic Zoning Commission realignment that caused confusion. Plus, students speak out about safety and book bans, the Trump Administration's funding cuts and DEI mandates impact local schools, and we're not so sure about Restaurant Week. Read more about students' thoughts on safety, book bans, and Vanderbit's response to the elimination of DEI. Learn more about the sponsors of this February 21st episode:  Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392⁩ Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

After a Metro Council meeting that reached “Parks & Rec”-style levels of hilarity, contributor Nicole Williams joins host Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek to catch us up on what went down. Plus we've got the newly-filed bills that caught our eye at the legislature this week — including Pot for Potholes! — and a vibe check that includes Kroger, In-N-Out, and the chance to catch a real live Puppy Bowl at the Zoo on Sunday. Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392⁩ Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

The TN General Assembly blazed through a four-day special session this week, and the Republican-controlled legislature successfully passed Gov. Bill Lee's signature school voucher plan, as well as an immigration bill with a provision that seemingly targets Nashville by making it a felony for any local public official to vote in favor of “sanctuary policies.” Host Marie Cecile Anderson, producer Daniel Sumstine, and executive producer Whitney Pastorek are breaking that down on today's Friday News Roundup. Plus: Updates on Antioch High School security, Fusus returns at Tuesday's Metro Council meeting, a preview of the local artists up for GRAMMYs at Sunday's ceremony, and some great news from Dolly Parton. We're doing a survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag. Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392⁩ Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

We've got the latest updates on Wednesday's tragic Antioch High School shooting, and Metro Council contributor Nicole Williams joins host Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek to run down what happened at Tuesday's first Metro Council meeting of 2025 — and explain a new state bill that could see local officials hit with felonies for simply casting a vote. Plus, we found some good news, from Silver Sands, Nate Bargatze, and our favorite community fridge. The family of Antioch shooting victim Josselin Corea Escalante has set up a GoFundMe to cover the return of her body to Guatemala. Donate here. We're doing a survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag. Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392⁩ Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.  Learn more about the sponsors of this January 22nd episode: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST

This week Robert and Jazmin talked about two major issues: the student voice team suing the legislature about the adequacy of the education system, and the surprising election of a Metro Council President. Afterwards, Robert sits down with Pamela Stevenson to talk about her first term as Democratic leader in the Kentucky House.

Today on City Cast Portland, we're talking about the budget boost Portland City Council just voted in for themselves this week and their game plan for committee work. We're also looking into Metro Council's proposed changes to the homeless services tax that Multnomah County commissioners are not too happy about. Joining host Claudia Meza on this week's Friday news roundup are Oregonian City Hall reporter Shane Dixon Kavanaugh and our very own senior producer, Giulia Fiaoni. Discussed in Today's Episode: Portland City Council Greenlights $4.6M Boost for Council, Mayoral Budgets [Oregonian

We promised drama at Tuesday's Metro Council meeting and it delivered — although not in the way we expected. Nashville Scene columnist Nicole Williams joins host Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek for the final Friday News Roundup of 2024. She's explaining why Morgan Wallen's sign got approved without discussion and how a resolution involving public safety departments sparked emotions. Nicole and Whitney also go long on the “Survivor” finale (where local Titans beat reporter Sam Phalen made the final three), Marie alerts us to Justin Timberlake's wardrobe malfunction at Bridgestone, and everyone shares their New Year's resolutions for Nashville. Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392⁩ Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.  Learn more about the sponsor of this Dec. 20th episode: Tecovas

On today's Friday News Roundup, Metro Council contributor Nicole Willams joins host Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek to take us inside Tuesday's Metro Council meeting, where the proposed contract with surveillance tech platform Fusus failed, by one vote. We're also talking about our faves in the annual Nashville Scene Boner Awards — celebrating the year's biggest screw-ups — and responding to Spotify Wrapped's list of the top songs in Nashville for 2024. Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392⁩ Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.  Learn more about the sponsor of this Dec. 6th episode: Tecovas

On today's Friday News Roundup, it's acronym day! District 25 Metro Council member Jeff Preptit joins host Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek to give us his take on Tuesday's council meeting, where MNPD's contract with surveillance tech company FUSUS was deferred once again after a passionate public hearing. We're also talking about the CRB's new MOU with MNPD, the Mayor's $527 million proposed CSP, and with sunset now at 4:30 p.m., how we're managing our SAD. Not sure what any of those letters mean? We've got you covered.  Learn more about Alex Wong and his new album, “Permission.” Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392⁩ Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.  Learn more about the sponsor of this Nov. 21st episode: Tecovas

On today's Friday News Roundup, host Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek are joined by Nashville Banner Metro reporter Stephen Elliott. He's catching us up on the happenings at Metro Council — where recent focus has been on MNPD funding — and giving us a preview of next week's meeting, where they'll be considering the reinstatement of a contract for the surveillance tech company FUSUS. We're also flabbergasted at the prices for Personal Seat Licenses in the new Titans stadium, and excited about the Mariah Carey Christmas pop-up bar that opens at the Virgin Hotel tonight. And stick around after the roundup for our Don't Go Gently tip for the weekend, presented by Tecovas. The Frist Arts Fest is happening this Sunday from 1 to 5:30pm! Head downtown to enjoy a day of art-making, music, and more. They'll have glass-blowing demonstrations, a scavenger hunt, lawn games, and performances from the Sunrise Latin Band and Nashville TIE-ko. You can even make your own koi fish windsock. It's $15 for adults, but kids get in free, and be sure to check out the museum's great exhibitions while you're there. Don't go gently, go in Tecovas! Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392⁩ Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

On today's Friday News Roundup, we're doing a speed run down the Nov. 5 ballot, and reading your responses to the question, “Why do you or do you not vote?” City Cast Nashville contributor and Nashville Scene columnist Nicole Williams joins host Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek to catch us up on Metro Council drama and look ahead to the next meeting. Plus: How Nashville was at the center of baseball's biggest scandal this week. Thanks to Tecovas, our Western wear faves, for being our exclusive launch sponsor! Election Day is Nov. 5. Here is a sample ballot. Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392⁩ Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Ruth and co-host Victoria Strange discuss candidates running in the 2024 General Election for Louisville Metro Council District 12, Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor, and Kentucky House Districts 36 and 29

KPW is back from a week's hiatus and there's lots to get to. The scandal list long this week with LMPD, the Metro Council. and Juvenile Justice leading the way. Also, there's the aftermath of hurricanes and a discussion of the Kentucky Right to Life endorsement list.

In this interview, Voters Organized to Educate sat down with Jasmine Davis Spencer,  candidate for Baton Rouge Metro Council District 10. Recorded at our Baton Rouge office on October 7, 2024, Bruce Reilly and Checo Yancy talked with Ms. Spencer about her roots in the city, the Baton Rouge jail construction, her own family's experience with incarceration, and the blessing/curse of having LSU in District 10. 

On today's Friday News Roundup, producer Marie Cecile Anderson and EP Whitney Pastorek are joined by City Cast Nashville contributor and Metro Council columnist Nicole Williams, who's helping us celebrate the current Metro Council's first year in office by grading their progress. We've also got info on the sticky situation unfolding at the Belle Meade Historic Site and Winery — where the creator of their acclaimed “Journey to Jubilee” tour says her work is being altered to make white folks more comfortable — and a roundup of trusted nonprofits and mutual aid orgs you should consider donating to as recovery from the devastation of Hurricane Helene continues in the eastern part of our state.  And stick around after the roundup for our Don't Go Gently tip for the weekend, presented by our exclusive launch sponsor, Tecovas. Nashville Oktoberfest takes over Germantown this weekend! It's the longest continually running party in the Southeast, slinging beers, brats, and schnitzel since 1980. General admission tickets start at $10 — beer and food is extra — and don't miss the Dachshund Derby on Sunday in Bicentennial Park. We recommend a rideshare for this event, since parking is bonkers and you'll probably be imbibing. Make good choices and have fun! And hey — don't go gently, go in Tecovas! The deadline to register to vote for November's Federal and State election is Oct. 7. Register, check your status, or update your information at govotetn.com. Here are some of the organizations we mentioned in our relief roundup: East Tennessee Foundation Community Foundation of Western NC Georgia VOAD BeLoved Asheville PODER Emma ShowerUp Nashville World Central Kitchen By the way, we'd love for you to write in and tell us why you vote — or don't vote — for a special episode we're planning.  Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. 

In places where there is homelessness, we often see clashes between neighbors and businesses, service providers and the government. And, as neighbors and businesses lose patience, they can put pressure on politicians to find quick solutions, which can result in the abrupt removal of people and their encampment structures from public spaces. In today's episode, we discuss how to mitigate tension by finding the middle ground — and solutions that address the needs of those experiencing homelessness and reduce negative community impact.This series was created thanks in part to support from Pinnacle Financial Partners and was produced by Judy Tackett and Tasha A.F. Lemley.Today's guests:Mark Horvath | Founder and CEO, Invisible PeopleRyan Lampa | Founder and CEO, People Loving NashvilleCouncilman Jacob Kupin | Member, Metro Council; Founder, The Kupin GroupDede Byrd | Certified registered nurse anesthetist (retired)Tyrese Payton | Guest Commentator

On this week's Friday News Roundup, executive producer Whitney Pastorek and producer Marie Cecile Anderson are joined by Metro Council contributor Nicole Williams for an update on Council's recommendation that MNPD adopt a zero-tolerance sexual misconduct policy, as well as the four anti-Nazi bills recently proposed by the mayor. We've also got your preview of the Nashville Film Festival, updates on Old Tent City and Wasioto Park, and some exciting new restaurants to check out. Plus, there's a contestant from Nashville on the new season of “Survivor”! And stick around after the roundup for our Don't Go Gently tip for the weekend, presented by our exclusive launch sponsor, Tecovas. Two incredible festivals are in full swing this weekend: AmericanaFest and the Nashville Film Festival. While the headlining artists and big-name films may already be sold out, it's the perfect time to discover something new. On Saturday, start your evening at 7 p.m. at Mirror Mirror on Lebanon Pike to catch Norwegian alt-pop duo Ask Carol, and then head to the Regal Green Hills Theater to creep yourself out with the block of Graveyard Shift Shorts that starts at 9 p.m. Don't go gently, go in Tecovas! The deadline to register to vote for November's Federal and State elections is Oct. 7. Register, check your status, or update your information at govotetn.com. By the way, we'd love for you to write in and tell us why you vote — or don't vote — for a special episode we're planning.  Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. 

This week we welcomed Josie Raymond back to My Old Kentucky Podcast. She talked to us about her decision to forgo reelection to the House of Representatives in order to run for Metro Council, and what she hopes to accomplish at City Hall in her next term. Before speaking with Josie, Robert and Jazmin spoke about LMPD hiring a new chief and about the shootings that occurred along I-75 last week.

Metro Council just passed a new rule requiring proof of Tennessee residency to speak at public comment, and Mayor Freddie O'Connell's slate of new anti-Nazi measures will be on second reading at next week's meeting. To help put these recent legislative actions into context, we're revisiting our conversation with State Senator Heidi Campbell from earlier this summer. What makes our city such an attractive place for neo-Nazis, white supremacists, and Christian nationalists to demonstrate? What is Christian nationalism, and who is fueling that movement? And if these far-right groups consider Nashville to be “the tip of the spear” for their ideologies, what are the potential implications for our city — as well as for our state, our country, and democracy on a global scale? You can hear our episode on the Council rule change here. You can hear our episode on Mayor O'Connell's new measures here. Need to register to vote for the November election? Visit govotetn.com. By the way, we'd love for you to write in and tell us why you do or don't vote for a special episode we're planning.  Thanks to Tecovas, our Western wear faves, for being our exclusive launch sponsor! Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. **This episode originally aired July 17, 2024

Nashville Scene columnist and City Cast Nashville Metro Council contributor Nicole Williams is back for today's Friday News Roundup! She joins host Grace Fuisz and producer Marie Cecile Anderson to talk about the East Bank Development Authority, the recent protests happening around town — from striking AT&T workers to people with disabilities demanding better transit access — and the criminal mastermind who got arrested this week thanks to surveillance footage of him vandalizing the rainbow crosswalk outside Lipstick Lounge while driving his work van. Plus: don't miss the return one of our favorite new segments: Real or Fake Tennessee Headlines! [crowd goes wild] And stick around after the roundup for our Don't Go Gently tip for the weekend, presented by our exclusive launch sponsor, Tecovas. This weekend, we're recommending that you lend a helping hand at the 12th annual Community Beautification Day in North Nashville. You can sign up here, or check out our article on other volunteering opportunities if you can't make it. Don't go gently, go in Tecovas! Best of Nashville voting is now open, and we'd love your consideration as Best Podcast. Vote here! Need to register to vote for the November election? Visit govotetn.com. Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. 

On today's Friday News Roundup, host Grace Fuisz is joined by executive producer Whitney Pastorek and one of our favorite contributors, Metro Council expert and Nashville Scene columnist Nicole Williams. We've got your update on all the drama from this week's Council meeting, ways you can step up and get involved locally as a Metro board member or campaign volunteer, and the scoop on why the FBI seized Congressman Andy Ogles' cell phone. Plus, we debut our newest segment, 1-Star Reviews of Iconic Nashville Institutions, because Nicole is our game show guinea pig. And stick around after the roundup for our Don't Go Gently tip for the weekend, presented by our exclusive launch sponsor, Tecovas. This week, we're recommending you grab breakfast on Saturday at Sky Blue Cafe in East Nashville ahead of the Tomato Art Fest parade. Have questions about contacting your Metro Council member? Email Nicole! Need to register to vote for the November election? Visit govotetn.com. Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.